Discovery confirms 2006 signings

In an official announcement, the Discovery Channel team has confirmed that it will add Russian rider...

In an official announcement, the Discovery Channel team has confirmed that it will add Russian rider Vladimir Gusev to its roster for the 2006 season.

Gusev joins previously announced new signings Janez Brajkovic and Egoi Martinez, plus Australian Trent Lowe and Belgian Jurgen Van Goolen to make up a five-strong group of young riders to bolster the team's future development.

Gusev in particular is a rider whom Discovery is tipping for good things. He is Russian time trial champion and finished in the top 10 at both the Tour of Flanders and the HEW Cyclassics in Hamburg. "He's a strong all around rider who did well in the Classics this year but still has a big margin for improvement," said team directeur sportif Johan Bruyneel. "I think he can be a contender almost everywhere; he's good in the hills and is a strong time trialist. While he still needs to develop his skills and gain experience, what I've seen so far makes me think Vladimir can be one of our key riders for the future."